Letter to the editor: Chief's sentence shows playing field not equal

Attention young people: Considering a career in the “criminal arts”? Perhaps you plan to specialize in drug trafficking. Based on the sentencing for former Greensburg police Chief Shawn Denning (“Former Greensburg police chief pleads guilty to evidence tampering charges,” Aug. 4, TribLive), your career path should begin at the police academy. The training and experience you receive will be an excellent insurance policy in the event your illegal activities catch up with you.

You, too, can get off with probation for stealing illegal drugs from the evidence room and reselling them on the street. If you manage to achieve the rank of chief, you may even get to enjoy a short sentence of 15 months for drug trafficking.

Regarding crime and punishment, one could argue those who are compensated and entrusted by taxpayers to “protect and serve” should be held to a higher standard. I would settle for an even playing field.

Thomas C. Spallone

Hempfield